How long does it take to become a real estate agent in NJ?

Getting a real estate license in New Jersey typically takes three to six months. It ultimately depends on your speed of completion of the 75-hour pre-licensing course, which can be taken either online or in a classroom. Once you complete the course, you will take the state licensing exam and submit your application. Of course, this can be faster if you choose to study full-time, but those with other commitments may take a little longer.

How much does it cost to get my real estate license in NJ?

The cost of obtaining a real estate license in New Jersey ranges between $400 and $600. One must pay these associated fees to take the license: about $200 to $400 for the 75-hour pre-licensing course, $38 for the state licensing exam, $160 for a license application fee, and another about $67 for fingerprinting and a background check. Additional costs may be incurred by purchasing study materials or exam prep courses.

Is the NJ realtor exam hard?

The New Jersey real estate license exam can be challenging if not prepared for. The examination consists of 110 multiple-choice questions; you’ll need to score at least 70% to pass. The test’s legal and math portions are generally considered the most cumbersome parts for most people. Studying consistently and taking practice exams can help you feel more confident going in. More importantly, you must understand real estate’s practical and theoretical aspects.

How much do realtors make in New Jersey?

The annual average for real estate agents in New Jersey is $50,000 to $80,000, though this amount can change based on experience, market conditions, and location. Agents operating in demand areas-for example, areas near New York City or along the Jersey Shore-make more due to the higher value of property and a higher volume of sales. It is not unusual for top-producing agents to break the six-figure income barrier many times over, especially if they focus on luxury markets or work in areas with a fast turnover of properties.

Licensing & Education

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How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey in 7 Steps

Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to get a real estate license in New Jersey and get started on your new career today!

Written By

Andrew Wan

May 13, 2025

The Close content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

From beach houses down the Shore to suburban properties in Montclair and Cherry Hill, it’s easy to imagine a real estate career in New Jersey. After all, the Garden State is brimming with opportunity. Follow these seven easy steps if you’re curious about how to become a real estate agent in New Jersey. Let’s begin!

Quick Steps to Get a New Jersey Real Estate License (+ Costs)

Step 1: Meet New Jersey requirements (No cost)

Step 2: Choose a New Jersey real estate school (Cost: $319+)

Step 3: Pass the New Jersey real estate license exam (Cost: $38)

Step 4: Undergo fingerprinting & background check (Cost: $66.05)

Step 5: Apply for a New Jersey real estate license (Cost: $160)

Step 6: Join a real estate brokerage (No cost)

Step 7: Start a successful career in NJ

Step 1: Meet New Jersey requirements
Step 2: Choose an NJ real estate school for your prelicensing education
Step 3: Pass the New Jersey real estate license exam
Step 4: Undergo fingerprinting & background checks
Step 5: Apply for a New Jersey real estate license
Step 6: Join a real estate brokerage
Step 7: Start a successful career in New Jersey
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Your take

Step 1: Meet New Jersey requirements

To be eligible for a New Jersey real estate license, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Possess a high school diploma
Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
Possess good character, trustworthiness, honesty, and integrity

Types of licensees in New Jersey & how much they earn

Licensed real estate agent (salary range: $60,900 to $101,500): Licensed to represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions while working under a broker.
Licensed real estate broker (salary range: $92,000 to $142,000): May operate independently or hire other agents to work for them; in charge of overseeing a real estate transaction.
Broker-salesperson (salary range: $60,900 to $101,500): Has a broker’s license but works for another broker, just like an agent
Referral agent (salary range: $80,000 to $87,000): A licensed real estate individual who receives leads and then refers those leads to a broker

Want some general information on applying for a license? Check our general guide to getting your real estate license.

Step 2: Choose an NJ real estate school for your prelicensing education

Cost: $319+ via Colibri Real Estate
Time commitment: 75 hours
Helpful resource: Best Online Real Estate Schools

Your prelicensing course is the first major and official step toward becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey. Look for a program with flexible scheduling, thorough course material, and robust student support. Pick an accredited school with strong and verified student reviews to ensure you’re getting quality instruction.

One of the best real estate schools in New Jersey is Colibri Real Estate, which offers online courses that allow you to learn in your comfort zone. Colibri’s varied course packages and support tools make completing the 75 hours of education you need and preparing for the licensing exam easy.

Enroll now in Colibri Real Estate

Use our code “TheClose50” to get 50% off!

Two screenshots of the Colibri Real Estate dashboard. — Colibri Real Estate’s course dashboard

Step 3: Pass the New Jersey real estate license exam

Cost: $38
Time commitment: 4 Hours
Helpful resource: New Jersey PSI Candidate Information Bulletin and The Close’s Free Real Estate Practice Exam

New Jersey does not designate a limitation on the number of retakes for the salesperson license exam. All retakes must occur within your one-year eligibility window from completing your pre-licensing education. You’ll have to wait 24 hours before logging in to the PSI website to schedule your next attempt and pay the exam fee again.

Step 4: Undergo fingerprinting & background checks

Cost: $66.05
Time commitment: 2 hours
Helpful resource: Real Estate License Candidate Fingerprinting Process

All applicants must submit fingerprints for the NJ real estate licensing process, including a background check. Here are the details:

Fill out the New Jersey Universal Fingerprint Form
Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO
Bring the completed Universal Fingerprint Form and photo identification to your appointment

Step 5: Apply for a New Jersey real estate license

Cost: $160
Time commitment: 1 hour
Helpful resource: NJDOBI | NJ Real Estate Commission – Applications and Forms

Applying for your real estate agent license in New Jersey is cut-and-dry once you’ve passed the exam. You’ll apply via mail or online to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. Here are the things you should include in your application:

Proof of completion of the 75-hour pre-licensing course
Your passing score on the licensing exam
A signed commitment from a sponsoring broker

Step 6: Join a real estate brokerage

Cost: Free
Time commitment: 2-4 weeks
Helpful resource: How to Choose a Real Estate Broker as a New Agent

After licensure, the next step is to join a real estate brokerage. This step is required because all agents in New Jersey must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A brokerage will introduce you to critical training, tools, and MLS listings to get you up and running.

In addition to commission splits, you need to find a company that is a cultural fit, offers quality training, and can provide mentors. Research local brokerages and interview several to find the best fit for your career goals and working style.

Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career. Check out our roundup of the best real estate companies to work for to learn about some larger firms.

Step 7: Start a successful career in New Jersey

With your license, you’re ready to become a successful real estate agent in the state. Here’s how to have a blossoming career after obtaining an NJ real estate license:

Go online: Utilize social media platforms and a professional website to attract clients. Check our social media marketing guide to get started.
Network building: Connect with local professionals, attend events, and join real estate groups to build your network circle. Here are some real estate networking tips to streamline your efforts.
Take advantage of lead generation tools: Third-party lead generation services will significantly ease your work generating leads. Get started with our roundup of the best places to buy leads.
Continuing education (CE): Stay ahead in the current market by continuing education courses. Here’s a list of our recommended CE course providers.
Provide excellent customer service: Interact personally with your customers in a way that encourages trust and recommendations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Most folks get their realtor license in NJ in about 3-6 months, depending on how fast they complete the prelicensing course. Once that’s done, you’ll take the licensing exam and submit your application. Studying full-time could speed things up, but work or other commitments might stretch the process.

Expect to spend between $400 and $600. That’s about $200 to $400 for the 75-hour pre-licensing course, $38 for the license exam, $160 for the license application, and around $67 for fingerprinting and a background check. You may also want to budget extra for study guides or prep courses.

For most, it can feel tricky without exam prep. The New Jersey real estate license exam has 110 multiple-choice questions; you must score at least 70% to pass. Most people find the legal and math sections the toughest, but steady study and practice tests can boost your confidence.

Your take

Now that you know how to become a real estate agent in NJ, it’s time to chase those leads and turn them into clients. At The Close, we’ll guide you through every step of your real estate journey. Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments!

Andrew Wan

Andrew Wan is a staff writer for The Close and Fit Small Business, specializing in Small Business Finance. He has over a decade of experience in mortgage lending, having held roles as a loan officer, processor, and underwriter. He is experienced with various types of mortgage loans, including Federal Housing Administration government mortgages as a Direct Endorsement (DE) underwriter. Andrew received an M.B.A. from the University of California at Irvine, a Master of Studies in Law from the University of Southern California, and holds a California real estate broker license.